Thinking about making traditional folding knives

[Seven.62]

So im 29 and i have made 2 traditional fixed blades with my uncle, (he makes custom fixed blade knives for like 25 years or more)
So iv been thinking starting on my own with folding slipjoint knives by getting some "well loved" but good looking mass production traditional slipjoints from ebay or whatever and keeping the frame of the handle but completely making new handle scales, new springs and new carbon steel blades from scratch...as well as putting in new pins and get the knife looking like a brand new custom piece... the idea would not be to make the new knife look a refurb clone of the knife its made from... but instead to make a whole new interesting and 100% original piece... im also thinking about having some with multi blades and fold out tool accessories and really original and fun handle scale materials... what do u guys think of this idea?

 

[Richard338]

One opinion, and I only make fixed blades.
I could see doing what you described as an intermediate step. It could be daunting to design a folder from scratch. On the other hand, even if you do a great job, your effort could be diminished as modding. I would take apart a few examples and try to understand the design. Pick up a book also. When the design is yours, even if based on one you like, and you made all the components, then your pride and the value will be a lot greater.